Shane O'Brien: 'There is a great connection between us'

By Cian O’Connell

Shane O’Brien has spent more than a decade serving the Loughrea cause. So, he’s fully aware this is a particularly special time.

Even though a severe hamstring injury has restricted his playing contribution in the current campaign, retaining the Galway SHC title matters deeply in Loughrea.

That an AIB All-Ireland Club decider against Ballygunner at Croke Park beckons means hurling is the main item on the agenda in the town.

During Loughrea’s run, open sessions have been organised with juvenile members of the club, promoting the game and sport. “There is a great buzz around the place, you see all the young lads walking around with their hurls, just wearing the Loughrea colours,” O’Brien says. “The town is full of colour at the moment, it is great to have it.

“We were all young lads at some stage, we were looking up to our heroes playing. I was only 10 years of age when Loughrea were last in the All-Ireland. I was looking up to them lads and actually ended up hurling with a few of them.

“The young generation are the next lads coming, you've to keep them involved and keep them active. There is a great connection between us.”

Loughrea’s backroom set-up brings a link with past teams from the club. Tommie Kelly is the manager, who continues to contribute. “They're giving back to the club what they got when they were coming into it,” O’Brien reflects.

“The lads have great experience. That management team, they're great lads all of them, they're bringing the experience and driving us on in the background. They're keeping us going.

“They're smart lads, they're just hurling men. Whether they'd roles with inter-county teams or not, they're just great hurling men. They've great minds and they all work brilliantly together. As players, we couldn't ask for more from the management.”

That a new wave of talent is being developed bodes well for the future. “Absolutely, you see the likes of Vince Morgan or Gavin Maher, all of these lads, it is after bringing a new energy to Loughrea hurling, to be honest,” O’Brien responds.

“We're just buzzing that they've come in, joined our panel, and helping us with the success we've had over the last two years.”

O’Brien, who is part of the Garda Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup panel, smiles when the third level competition is referenced. “I'm with the Guards alright, but I won't be togging out this week,” he laughs.

“Maybe next week, we'll see. I was in the college from April last year, we won the Ryan Cup with them. It was a bit of craic; I'm just attested since last Christmas.”

For the next few days, the focus is firmly on Loughrea.